LOS ANGELES – The Lions could not make an early lead stand as Portland scored a pair of unanswered goals to defeat LMU 2-1 on Saturday afternoon at Sullivan Field.
The Lions (5-7-5, 2-5-4 WCC) celebrated Senior Day, honoring Kylie Dobbs, Callan Harrington, Alice Zimmerman, Jordan Sprague, Caitlyn McCulloch and Kaydence Cortez-Garcia during a postgame ceremony attended by their friends and families.
LMU saw an early lead slip away as the Pilots (10-3-6, 7-1-3 WCC) rallied with two unanswered goals to claim all three points in the conference matchup.
LMU struck first in the sixth minute when Cameron Bourne found the back of the net off an assist from Dobbs, giving the Lions an early 1-0 advantage. The quick start energized the home side, as Dobbs had created the opportunity moments earlier with her attacking play up front in what would be her final home match.
Portland answered in the 39th minute when Violet Rademacher converted a penalty kick to level the match at 1-1 following a foul in the box. The goal came after the Pilots had been building pressure with several corner kicks and dangerous chances, including a save by JJ Hoover on Giovanna Hansen moments before the penalty.
The Pilots seized control in the second half, with Ito providing the game-winner in the 57th minute off an assist from Ruby Settle. The goal gave Portland its first lead of the match and proved to be the difference.
LMU pressed for an equalizer throughout the final 33 minutes, generating several promising chances. Senior forward Harrington was active in the attacking third with three shots, while substitute Maci Land tested Portland goalkeeper Sophia Hills late with a shot that required a save in the 83rd minute. Bourne also had a late look in the 85th minute as the Lions pushed numbers forward.
Hoover made four saves in goal for the Lions, including a crucial stop on Hailey Bagby in the 69th minute as Portland looked to extend its lead. The Lions were outshot 13-10 but battled throughout against one of the conference’s top teams.
Senior defenders Zimmerman and McCulloch both played significant minutes in their final home match, with Zimmerman going the full 90 minutes as part of a back line that competed hard against one of the WCC’s top offenses.